Down at the mission on Christmas morning, with songs of praise leaking out the front doors and a blue sky shining its light back through, the men and women take their seats and listen to sermons given not just by the pastor, but the patrons, too.

But it’s the story of Christ’s birth, recited from the New Testament by Garrett Houser, a volunteer, that sets the mood. Born in a manger, a boy is bequeathed to the world.

“It really speaks to me in a new way (as I get older),” Houser said later.

In his humanity, Christ gets “dirty to help with our troubles,” he added.

For Jerry Deyton, pastor of this modest-looking day shelter for homeless and the poor known as The Way, serving others comes as a calling.

“People consider this part of their earthly home,” he said.

Deyton thanked those in need who are humble enough to extend their hand for help. Everyone can be helped, after all.